Method of and means for filling and closing bottles and other containers under aseptic conditions



Feb. 21, 1961 G, M. gum

, METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHERCONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledvMaroh 13,1959 Feb. 21, 1961 e. M. JUIN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING ANDCLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC comnzwzous FiledMarch 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 L I I I I I v I I l I l I I l I I I II i I I f l l I l E I I l I I I I I I I I I J Illalllilll llIhHHl I Illlllllfllllil illlllllllfl HIIIIIIIIIIIIII. III I. flu." nuhv l l l ldbnfl dl l l h hl l I uh u-lii'b u Feb. 21, 1961 G. M. JUIN 2,972,214

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERSUNDER ASEPTIC connrrrons Filed March 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 pl i FTeB15 M .11! i r 1 I 24 G. M. JUIN ANS F0 Feb. 21, 1961 2,972,214 METHOD OFAND ME R FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTICCONDITIONS Filed March 15, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 v/rrlll/ll \l-MM r 1 4.MI 0 9 1-1-: I w '5 Al 7 I I I I l l I II I T 7 7 E X [ILL m T 12:}. u 45 H 6 m. QJ IIIIIIIIFIII 1 c I r 3.... u 1 w. e n 1 w W F----||- K\Illlllulj w k a 1961 G. M. JUIN 2,972,214

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERSUNDER ASEPTIC commons 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 13, 1959 o of Feb.21, 1961 2,972,214 I G. M. JUIN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING ANDCLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS FiledMarch 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 18 VIII/[III United States Patent METHODOF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDERASEPTIC CONDITIONS Guy Marcel Juin, Asnieres, France, assignor to E. P.

Remy et Cie., Poissy, Seine-et-Oise, France, a corporation of FranceFiled Mar. 13, 1959, Ser. No. 799,139

Claims priority, application France Apr. 23, 1958 27 Claims. (Cl. 53-37)This invention is concerned essentially with a method of effecting underaseptic conditions the filling of bottles or other containers with asterilized liquid, for example milk, and subsequently the closing ofsaid bottles or other containers.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a method whereby the stepsof sterilizing, filling and closing the bottles or containers arecombined into a single phase as contrasted with knowndouble-sterilization methods in which the provisional filling andclosing of the containers require a second sterilizing operation.

The method according to this invention is remarkable notably in that isconsists of isolating from the surrounding medium the inside of thebottle or container, causing the latter to communicate with a closedspace held in an aseptic or sterilized condition, eifecting within saidclosed space the final sterilization of the bottle or container as Wellas of its closing device, and subsequently filling and closing thebottle or container in a provisional or defini tive manner.

This method is characterized by many advantageous features, notably inthat it permits sterilizing by a single and same operation, for exampleby means of high-temperature inert steam or gas and within a very shorttime period, according to the so-called flash sterilization method, notonly the inner capactiy of the empty bottle and that face of thepreformed capsule which is to be subsequently in contact with thesterilized liquid after the filling operation, but also the entireclosed space in which the filling and closing operations take place.

According to another feature of this invention, the aforesaid closedspace is kept in a sterilized condition by feeding same continuouslywith sterile air or other gas providing for example a slightoverpressure within said space.

Under practical conditions and by providing adequate and knownsynchronizing means for co-ordinating the movements of the differentdevices associated with said closed space, the following cycle ofoperations may be carried out in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention:

Positioning the container to be filled and the closing means, forexample a capsule or the like, on fixed or movable seats provided insaid closed space;

Fast sterilization of the container and beginning of the sterilizationof the closing means;

Filling the container;

Relative displacement of the closing means within said closed space inorder to position said means over the aperture of the container;

Provisional or definitive closing operation, for example by capsuling,of the container;

Removal of closed container.

This invention is also concerned with a method of arranging aninstallation adapted to cary out in an aseptic manner the filling andclosing of bottles and other containers according to the method broadlyset Z,97Z,Zl4 Patented Feb, 21, 1961 forth hereinabove, which isremarkable notably in that it consists in mounting on or associatingwith a liquiddispensing or similar apparatus a closed space, connectingwith or mounting in, said closed space feed means for the liquid to bedistributed which is delivered by said liquid-dispensing or likeapparatus, fixed or movable means or devices for sterilizing thecontainer and its closing means, seat-forming means adapted to receivethe neck or opening at least of said container and its closing means,and operating means arranged for positioning and securing at leasttemporarily said closing means on said neck or opening upon completionof the filling operation, and providing means such as a supply ofsterile air or other gas for maintaining the inner capacity of saidclosed space in a sterile state.

This invention is also concerned with an installationfor filling andclosing under aseptic'conditions bottles and other containers with asterilized liquid, for example milk, this installation being arranged inaccordance with the method broadly set forth hereinabove and beingremarkable notably in that it comprises essentially the following meansmounted on or associated with a liquiddispensing or similar apparatus: aclosed space, filling means communicating with said liquid-dispensing orsimilar apparatus and disposed in or opening into said closed space,fixed or movable means or devices for sterilizing the container and theclosing means therefor, and operating means arranged for positioning orsecuring at least temporarily said closing means on the opening of saidcontainer upon completion of the filling operation, means such as thesupply of sterile air or other gas being provided for maintaining theinner volume of said closed space in a sterile state.

Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent asthe following description proceeds with reference to the accompanyingdrawings forming 1 part of this specification and illustratingdiagrammaticaliy by way of example two forms of embodiment of theinvention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing in elevation and fragmentaryaxial section an installation or device forfilling and closingcontainers according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a lateral View taken in the direction of the arrow F and infragmentary section taken upon the line IIII of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken upon the line III-IIIof Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section taken upon IVIV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section taken upon the line V-V of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating in elevational view the successiveoperations of filling, sterilizing and closing a container by means ofthe device shown in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 7 illustrates diagrammatically in plane view and in connectionwith Figure 6 respectively the same operations, and

Figure 8 shows diagrammatically in elevation an inthe line stallationaccording to a modified form of embodiment of the invention.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 5 the installation or device forfilling and closing bottles or other containers 1 comprises essentially,according to the present invention, a closed space (designated as awhole by the However, the installation described hereafter is designedprimarily for filling and capsuling bottles with sterilized milk underaseptic conditions.

The closed space 2 comprises an upper fixed portion 4 secured underthe'vessel 3 and a movable lower portion this movable portion may bemounted for sliding vertical movement on and relative to the upperstationary portion 4. Both portions 4 and 5 may constitute tubulartelescopic elements slidably engaged in each other, an adequate jointbeing provided therebetween for example in the form of a piston packingor like sealing device 6 adapted to prevent any liquid leak-age.

The relative movement between these portions 4 and 5 may also be arotational movement or a combination of a movement of translation with amovement of rotation. The relative sliding movement and the fluidtightness between the contacting surfaces of these telescopic tubes orcylinders 4, 5 may be facilitated not only by the provision of thepiston packing or like seal 5 but also by a film of silicone or likematerial coating the inner surface of cylinder 4 to reduce the frictionbetween the two cylinders to a minimum.

The filling device proper, consisting for example of a depending fillertube 7 formed at its lower end with a suitably shaped filler head 8extends through the assembly of the aforesaid two portions 4 and 5, forexample coaxially thereto.

The lower tubular portion 5 carries at its lower end a casing 9 ofsubstantially parallelepipedic prismatic or other adequate shape whichconstitutes the capsuling chamber. This term should be understood in itsbroadest meaning to designate a cage, housing, space or the like inwhich are disposed according to this invention on the one hand theseat-forming means adapted to receive at least the upper opening or neckportion of the bottle or container to be filled and the closing means,capsule or the like, to be filled on this container, and on the otherhand the means or devices for sterilizing the whole during the fillingand closing operations.

This capsuling chamber 9 is secured for example by its upper wall undera tubular portion 16 of reduced cross-sectional area which constitutesthe lower extension of the lower portion 5; besides, this chamber 9communicates through an upper aperture 11 and said tubular portion 10with the tubes or like elements 4, 5.

The assembly comprising the tube 5 and the capsuling chamber 9 may bedriven for vertical movement through the intermediary of any adequatedriving 'means, for example a yoke, strap or other driving member 11'(Fig. 2) engaging the groove shoulder or recess formed between this tube5 and the casing 9 at the level of the tubular junction portion 11 Thecapsuling chamber or casing 9 is guided laterally during its verticaldisplacement by slideways or like members 12 having for example theirupper portions secured at 13 under the vat 3 and extending verticallyalong the tubes 4 and 5. These slideways may consist for example ofchannel members engageable by guide members or shoes consisting forexample of section members or the like 14 secured on the side walls 15of easing 9.

At their lower ends these slideways 12 areformed with a portion or lip16 bent inwards to constitute a lower stop or abutment for limiting thedownward displacement of the capsuling chamber 9.

The lower wall 17 of this chamber has an aperture 18 coaxial with theupper aperture 11 formed therein for the purpose of permitting thepassage of the neck portion 19 of the bottle or like container 1. Thisaperture 18 is provided with a device adapted to act as a seat for thisneck portion 19. This device may consist for example of a guillotinedevice or mechanism comprising to this end two plates 20 slidablymounted in a common horizontal plane on either side of the aperture 18above the bottom wall 17. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, these plates 20extend through the side walls 15 of the chamher, thus providing outerprojecting portions 21 engaging the cavities of the correspondingchannel slideways 12. The inner edges of these plates are ofsubstantially semicircular configuration (see Figure 3) so that they fittightly around and clamp the neck portion 19 of the bottle when they aremoved towards each other.

Moreover, these plates 29 are guided on the lower wall 17 of the casingfor example by means of flanged members 23 or the like (see Figure 4)secured on this wall. Their closing movement is controlled, during theupward movement of the capsuling chamber 9, by camforming members 24arranged for example in the bottom of the channels or like slideways 12and adapted to be engaged by the outer ends 21 of these plates 20 whenthe casing 9 rises to a certain level. Besides, the opening movement ofthese plates (that is, away from each other) is controlled by return.springs 25 attached for example on the one hand to a pin 26 carried byeach plate 20 and on the other hand to the side wall 15 of chamber 9which is disposed on the same side. The reference numeral 27 designatesa stop carried by said plates 'to limit their opening stroke to theproper value.

Mounted in the capsuling chamber is a movable capsuling frame adapted toreceive the capsule or other closing means, which consists for exampleof the combination of two superposed members 28, 29, as shown. Thiscapsuling frame is slidably mounted and guided in the casing 9, forexample by means of slideways or races 30 carried by the side walls 15of the casing and slidably engaged in grooves or splines 31 formed oneither side of the upper portion 28 of the capsuling frame. In theexample illustrated it is clear that due to the arrangement of theseguide means inside the casing 9 the capsuling frame may be displacedbodily in a direction substantially at right angles to the axis 32 ofthe upper tubular portion of the closed space. This movement oftranslation of the capsuling frame may be continued up to the endportion 33 of the capsuling chamber 9 formed at this place with an upperaperture 34 constituting a kind of wicket or the like through which theclosing capsules or like members are positioned in the frame 28, 29.This positioning step is accomplished as illustrated diagrammatically inchain-dotted lines at 29 and 28 in Figure l by lifting the upper portion28 of the capsuling frame and inserting a capsule 35 centrally of thelower portion 29 of this frame as shown in Figure 1.

In this position it is clear that the lower portion 29 of the capsulingframe is guided by slideways or like members 36 carried laterally by thelower portion of the casing 9 at the level of the aforesaid wicket 33 inthe same manner as in the case of the slideways 30 described in thepreceding paragraph. These slideways 36 engage grooves 37 formed in thelower portion 29 of the capsuling frame, On the other hand, the upperportion 28 released from the guide rails or slideways 30 discontinued atthis place may be brought to the upper position 28 by operating members(not shown) engaging these lateral grooves or splines 31. Both elements28 and 29 of the capsuling frame form in their centre a cavity 38 inwhich the capsule 35 may be inserted, this cavity being bound at the topby a wall element 39 of member 28 which has a contour correspondingsubstantially to that of the neck portion 19 of the bottle 1.

Guide rods 40 solid with the lower portion 29 of the capsuling frameproject therefrom and are adapted to engage orifices 41 formed in theupper portion 28 in order properly to guide the vertical displacementsof the upper portion 28 of the frame in relation to the lower portion29.

The capsuling casing 9 is also provided with inner means or devicesadapted to eifect the momentary or extended sterilization of the bottletogether with its capsule. It comprises for example a nozzle 42 suppliedwith steam from a duct (not shown) and slidably'mounted in the casing 9in adequate horizontal guide means. To this end, the same slideways 30may be extended and engaged in grooves formed in shoes 43 between whichthe nozzle 42 is held by means of a pair of half-collars or like members44, 44' assembled together and secured on either side on said shoes 43(see Figure 5).

Preferably, the movements accomplished by the nozzle 42 and by thecapsuling frame 28, 29 are identical. To this end, a plate or likemember 45 may be provided for operatively interconnecting on the onehand the guide shoes 43 of the nozzle and on the other hand the lowerportion 28 of the capsuling frame.

In the form of embodiment illustrated by way of example the nozzle 42 isadapted, when moving bodily within the casing 9, to assume the positionin which it is shown in Figure 1 so that its depending outlet 46overlies the orifice of the bottle 1.

The casing 9 is also provided with another sterilizing device consistingof a steam delivery duct 47 provided across its outlet aperture with aperforated plate 47a disposed preferably between the aperture 18receiving the bottle neck and the wicket-forming end portion 33 of thecasing.

The reference numeral 48 designates an annular head-- er or like devicemounted inside the fixed tube 4 and adapted to blow sterile air or othergas into the closed space in order to maintain therein an asepticatmosphere at a moderate overpressure in relation to the surroundingatmosphere.

Finally, a plurality of ports 49 are formed through the lower portion ofthe lateral wall of the fixed tubular portion 4, these ports acting asvent holes when they are uncovered by the movable lower tube 5 whilesteam is being blown into the casing 9 through the nozzle 42 or duct 47.

The closed space has also associated therewith a movable support (notshown) adapted to carry the bottle or other container 1, this supportbeing controlled and guided for vertical movement to and from anoperative position in which the bottle or other container is positionedas shown in Figure 1.

Control means are provided in combination with the differentarrangements set forth hereinabove for synchronizing with one anotherthe movements of the lower movable portion of the closed space, those ofthe movable capsuling flame, those of the nozzle 42 and those of themovable support carrying the bottle or other container to be filled,with a view to obtain a cycle of operations taking place for example asfollows:

During a first phase the bottle or other container to be filled ispositioned on its movable support and, as the capsuling frame is levelwith the wicket 33 of the capsuling casing 9, a capsule is inserted bylifting firstly the upper movable portion 28 of the frame (positions Aand A in Figures 6 and 7).

Then the movable support is moved upwards to bring the neck of thebottle or other container level with the lower aperture 18 of thecapsuling chamber; at the same time, the horizontal displacement of thecapsuling frame 28, 29 is brought about in order to bring the outlet 46of the nozzle 42 operatively connected to this frame above the neckaperture 19 of the bottle (position B and B of Figures 6 and 7).

In this position the inner capacity of the bottle or other container isquickly sterilized by injecting a few jets of steam according to theknown flash-sterilization process.

However, at this point a remark is necessary for the thoroughunderstanding of the invention.

Only a very short time period is afforded on the liquiddispensingmachine for sterilizing the inside of the bottle as well as the lower orinner face of the filling head up to and including its stop member.Consequently, the bottle must be treated and sterilized beforehand as itleaves the washing machine before entering the circuit of theliquid-dispensing apparatus. This previous treatment may be of thermalor chemical character, or a combination of both, and should take placeimmediately before the rinsing step.

In other words, an instantaneous and adequate sterilization in theliquid-dispensing apparatus cannot be justified and fully reliableunless its object is limited to the definitive elimination, immediatelyprior to the filling step, of an unavoidable secondarypost-contamination, of minor importance and of strictly superficialcharacter, of the inner capacity of the bottle, which takes placebetween the two treatments.

A maximum efiiciency as far as this sterilization is concerned may beensured by virtue of the constricted portion 19 at the bottom of thelower movable cylinder 5, the inner diameter of this portion 10 beingslightly greater than the over-all dimensions of the filling head 8, inorder to somewhat concentrate the high-pressure jet of steam towards thefilling head and tubular outlet 8 just before introducing same into theneck of the underlying bottle. Moreover, the 'efficiency is improved byusing a bent outlet 46 on the steam delivery nozzle 42 whereby the thesteam jet is directed under a considerable pressure and at a hightemperature into the bottle not in the form of a continuous jet but as aplurality of very fast pulsations. This steam is admitted preferablydirectly from the end of the capsuling casing which is opposite to thatconstituting the wicket 33 and as one portion of this steam is directedby the outlet 46 into the bottle the remaining portion is carried off bythe ascending stream issuing from the bottle and acts jointly therewithto sterilize the filling head 8 and its stop. During this operation thelower cylinder 5 in its lowermost position has uncovered the vent holesor ports 49 in the lower region of cylinder 4 so that during thishigh-pressure sterilization the used steam can be discharged veryquickly to avoid any undue overpressure in the closed space.

Upon completion of this sterilizing step the capsuling casing 9 and thebottle carrier are moved upwards to bring the lower movable portion ofthe closed space in the upper position shown at D in Figure 6 afterpassing through an intermediate position C. During this upward movementthe plates 20 constituting the jaws of the guillotine device controllingthe aperture 18 are closed by their engagement with the cam orramp-forming portions 24 of slideways 12 in order to clamp the bottleneck and provide a gradual and accurate guiding thereof. Simultaneously,adequate means are controlled to cause a further horizontal displacementof the movable capsuling frame, whereby the latter is brought to aposition above the steam outlet 47 (position C of Figure 7 Thishorizontal movement of translation is attended by the retraction of thenozzle 42 for the reasons set forth hereinabove, whereby the filler head8 may move downward and penetrate into the neck opening of the bottle tobe filled. This downward movement of the filler head 8 may also becontrolled through and from any suitable means for example a fillingstop (not shown) actuated by the upward movement of the lower tubularportion 5 of the closed space.

The capsule and the capsuling frame are sterilized during the entirefilling period, that is, during a relatively long time period, so that atemperature fall and a pressure drop of the steam may be contemplated,inter alia, the steam pressure reduction being controlled for example bya pressure reducing device of known design inserted in the feed circuitof duct 47.

Upon completion of the filling operation the movable lower portion 5 ofthe closed space is lowered relative to the upper portion 4 fromposition D (Figure 6) to position C, thus gradually releasing thefilling device from the bottle neck and the latter from the guillotinedevice. At the same time a third horizontal movement of the capsulingframe is effected to bring same over the lower aperture 18 permittingthe passage of the neck portion of the container (position D of Figure 7Then the smart bottle is displaced vertically relative to its movablecarrier whereby the upper end of the bottle neck sinks a capsule 35 intothe cavity 38 of the upper portion 23 of the capsuling frame by abuttingthereagainst; thus, the skirt of the capsule is turned down and crimpedeither temporarily or definitely around the top edge of the bottleopening.

Thereafter, the bottle carrier is lowered and the bottle dischargedwhile causing the capsuling frame to move in the opposite direction topositions A and A (Figures 6 and 7).

The capsuling frame now underlying the wicket 33 is ready-to receive afresh capsule.

In the modified form of embodiment shown in Figure 8 a plurality offilling and closing or capsuling stations 51 may be provided beneath theliquid-dispensing apparatus 3, the closed spaces 4, 5, 9 of thesestations being arranged at spaced intervals on a circle centred on theaxis 50 of the apparatus; thus, a multi-station machine for example ofthe rotary type is obtained. The supply of steam to these differentstations may be effected through a vertical hollow shaft 52communicating through orifices 55 with an annular member 53 underlyingthe vessel 3 and fitted by means of a hub-like member 56 on the shaft52. This annular member 53 acts like a steam header or manifold and ispositioned at a height sufiicient to cause its outer end 54 to underliethe relevant end portion of each capsuling casing 9 when the latter isin its lowermost position.

This annular distributor 53 is rotated bodily with the vessel 3 and thebottle carriers or supports, so that any relative rotational movementbetween these difierent component elements is eliminated.

This arrangement is advantageous in that it provides for each dispensinghead a fixed steam outlet, the only connection to be effected being avertical extensible connection, for example a tubular telescopicconnection or a dipper-tube connection, between the liquid distributorand the capsuling casings.

Of course, many modifications and alterations may be contemplated in thepractical embodiment of the device or installation described and shownherein; thus, the sterilizing means and devices may differ from thosecontemplated herein; again, the invention should not be construed asbeing limited to the few forms of embodiment illustrated and describedherein, as these are mere examples to which many modifications may bebrought without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A method of aseptically filling with a sterilized liquid and closinga container comprising the step of associating said container in a tightmanner with a closed space containing slidable and fixed sterilizingmeans and fed with closing means, the step of injecting into saidcontainer a sterile fluid in the form of very fast pulsations by meansof said movable sterilizing means while beginning the sterilization ofsaid closing means with sterilizing fluid jets delivered by said fixedsterilizing means, the step of filling said container while continuingthe sterilization of said closing means, the step of positioning saidclosing means over the aperture of said container, the step of urgingthe aperture of said container against said closing means and therebyclosing the latter, and the step of removing said closed container.

2. Method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of causing saidslidable sterilizing means to be brought momentarily above the openingof said container positioned for receiving said sterilized liquid.

3. Method as claimed in claim 2 comprising the step of causing saidclosing means to be positioned above said fixed sterilizing means duringsaid container sterilizing and filling operations.

4. Method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of providing aplurality of filling and closing stations and 8 a the step ofassociating therewith a movable distributing device adapted to feed eachstation with a sterilizing medium.

5. Installation for aseptically filling with a sterilized liquid andclosing a container, comprising associated with a stocking vessel of aliquid-dispensing apparatus, a filling and closing station consisting ofa closed space having provided therein a movable filling pipe meansconnected to said stocking vessel and extending through said closedspace, seat-forming means adapted to receive and to clamp the neckportion of the container, a movable frame carrying closing means andadapted at least temporarily and subsequent to the filling operation tobring and set said.

closing means on said neck portion, slidable and fixed sterilizing meansfor sterilizing the container and its closing means respectively andmeans for supplying a sterile fluid for maintaining in a sterilecondition the inner volume of said closed space.

6. Installation as claimed in claim 5 in which said closed space isarranged under said stocking vessel.

7. Installation as claimed inclaim 6 in which said closed spacecomprises a fixed upper portion secured under said stocking vessel and amovable lower portion mounted for sliding movement under, and relativeto, said fixed upper portion, said movable portion carrying secured atits lower end a casing carrying said slidable and fixed sterilizingmeans, said seat forming means and said frame whereby said movableportion may fit over the neck of the container to be filled andaccomplish therewith the different upward and downward movementaccording to the cycle of operations contemplated.

8. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said fixed portion andsaid lower movable portion consist of two telescopically interfittingtubes.

9. Installation as claimed in claim 8 in which packing means areprovided between said interfitting tubes for providing the necessaryfluid-tightness of the closed space.

10. Installation as claimed in claim 9 in which said means for supplyinga sterile fiuid are provided in said fixed upper portion.

11. Installation as claimed in claim 10 in which the wall of the tubeconstituting the upper fixed portion of said closed space has a portmeans formed therethrough and so arranged as to be uncovered when thetube constituting the lower portion of the closed space is in its lowerposition.

12. Installation as claimed in claim 7 comprising guide means securedunder the stocking vessel and oo-acting with the movable sliding portionof said ciosed space in order to guide same during its upward ordownward movements.

13. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said casing communicateswith the inner capacity of said upper portion through an orifice formedthrough its upper wall.

14. Installation as claimed in claim 12 in which said movable fillingpipe means is disposed coaxially with said upper portion andsubstantially in axial alignment with said orifice formed through theupper wall.

15. Installation as claimed in claim 12 in which said seat-forming meansfor receiving the neck of the containcr to be fuled consists of anorifice formed through the lower wall of said casing substantially inaxial alignment with the aforesaid orifice formed through the upper walland comprises gripping means for clamping the neck of said container.

16. Installation as claimed in claim 14 in which said closed spacecomprises between said movable lower portion and said casing a portionof reduced cross-sectional area forming shoulder engageable by operatingmeans for driving said movable lower portion.

17. Installation as claimed in claim 15 in which said guide mean areprovided internally on a certain height with cam-forming elementscontrolling said gripping means for the clamping of the neck of thecontainer by said gripping means during the upward movement of saidcasing.

18. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said movable frame isslidably mounted in said casing and is guided therein by means ofslideways carried by the walls of said casing.

19. Installationas claimed in claim 18 in which said movable frame isdisplaceable in said casing between said seat-forming means and a wicketmeans formed in said casing and through which the frame may be fed withclosing means.

20. Installation as claimed in claim 19 in which said movable frameconsists of two portions fitting into each other so that they canreceive and maintain the closing means therebetween.

21. Installation as claimed in claim 20 in which the two portions ofsaid movable frame comprise internal grooves engaged by said slideways.

22. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said slidablesterilizing means consist of a slidable nozzle mounted in said casing soas to momentarily overlie the neck of the container to be filled with aview to sterilize same.

23. Installation as claimed in claim 22 in which said nozzle is carriedby two shoe means engaging inner slideways formed in said casing.

24. Installation as claimed in claim 23 in which said slidable nozzleand said movable frame are interconnected by assembling means so as tomove bodily together according to identical movements inside saidcasing.

25. Installation as claimed in claim 19 in which said fixed sterilizingmeans consists of a fixed nozzle opening into the lower portion of saidcasing between said seatforming means and said wicket.

26. Installation as claimed in claim 25 wherein said casing, saidslidable nozzle and said movable frame are adapted as to provide a cycleof operation substantially as follows: bringing the container undergripping means of the casing and simultaneously positioning a closingmeans in said movable frame; bringing the neck of the containersubstantially in the plane of said gripping means by raising saidcontainer and simultaneously causing the translation of said movableframe and the movable sterilizing means associated therewith in saidcasing in order to bring said movable sterilizing means above thecontainer; sterilizing said container byf a so-calle dflash-sterilization operation; moving said casing and said containerupwards, this movement being attended by the closing of said grippingmeans to clamp the neck of the container and simultaneously causing thetransla tion of the movable frame to bring same above said fixedsterilizing means associated therewith, and lowering of said fillingpipe means on and into the neck of said container; filling the containerand sterilizing said closing means; lowering said casing and saidcontainer while opening said gripping means and simultaneously causingthe translation of said movable frame to bring same above the neck ofsaid container; moving said container upwards to bring its neck incontact with the closing means and causing by abutment against. themovable frame the fixation of said closing means on the neck of thecontainer; moving said container downwards and removing the closedcontainer while causing said movable frame to move back to the wicketmeans in the casing.

27. Installation as claimed in claim 25 wherein a plurality of fillingand closing stations are provided and disposed on a circle centered onthe axis of said stocking vessel, and comprising a rotatable annulardistributor for distributing said sterilized liquid to said filling andclosing stations.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,270,797 Dunkley June 2, 1918 1,894,403 Konopak Jan. 17, 1933 2,174,745Hoffman et a1. Oct. 3, 1939 2,695,743 Williams Nov. 30, 1954 2,874,523Ryan Feb. 24, 1959

